Dr. Jeff Cummings

MIS323

Business Telecommunications

Syllabus• Course objectives• Text, materials, and tools• Format, structure, and schedule• Grading• Academic honesty• Other issues: please see syllabus

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Course Objectives• Infrastructure Fundamentals

• Explain how networks such as the Internet move messages from one computer to another through the different hardware and software components

• Infrastructure Technologies• Design a network infrastructure (at a novice level) using

a variety of LAN, backbone and WAN technologies and components;

• Infrastructure Management• Recognize the major decisions needed in managing

network infrastructure in organizations (e.g., network security) and understand which options are likely to lead to better performance.

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Textbooks• Required

Business Data Communications and Networking, Jerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis, 2012, 11th Edition, Wiley.  

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MaterialsEntropy/Course Website

Lecture Notes, articles, assignments, supplementary materials, grades will be posted on Entropy and the Course Website

Communications concerning the course will be sent through UNCW email list for course

I will post lecture slides before class in Entropy and the course website, however these slides serve as an outline for the material discussed.

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Tentative Course SchedulePart 1: Infrastructure Fundamentals

How Things Work

Part 2: Infrastructure Technologies Stuff You can Buy

Part 3: Infrastructure ManagementKeeping the Infrastructure Alive

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Grading• Class Attendance/Participation (5%)• Exercises (20%)• Review Assignments (12%)• Design Project (10%)

• Quizzes (8%)• Exams (45%)

Late work will receive a deduction of 10% per day

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ExercisesYou will have the opportunity to get more hands-on application of the material through exercises assigned throughout the semester.

White Hat Agreement

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Network DesignThe purpose of the design project is to provide the opportunity for you to design a simple network.

I will provide a list of possible equipment that you can use along with the cost of each piece of equipment.

Your report should include a network diagram identifying all key parts of the network (e.g., hubs, switches, routers, cables, etc.), plus a spreadsheet listing the items you have decided to purchase and their costs.

The project will be graded on both the quality and cost effectiveness of the network.

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Other Comments• If you are going to be gone for a class or an exam,

I will need to know at least a week ahead of time to make appropriate accommodations to make up the missed assignment.

• Communication is key (keep me informed if you are having issues with groups or the material)

Questions pertaining to grades MUST be made within 1 week of when the grade is posted to Entropy. No adjustments will be made after

the one week period.

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Other Comments• Turning in Assignments

• I expect assignments to be submitted in electronic format and typed when appropriate. I will not accept the following:• A photo of the assignment• Assignments turned in a week after the due date• Hand written assignment will be accepted as

long as they are legible

• Honor Code and Cheating• 0 on the assignment• ONE Letter Grade deduction

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My Expectations• Make a serious effort to succeed in my class.

Come to class on time and stay until class is over.

• Turn off cell-phones while in class

• Use lab-computers only for class-related activities

• Submit assignments on time

• Ask questions, voice concerns, provide feedback via email, phone, or during office hours

In return, I pledge to

• Provide a well-organized course• Clearly explain course objectives and concepts• Provide materials to help students understand

course concepts• Answer student questions• Be concerned with student learning• Provide students with feedback• Provide assistance outside of class• Provide clear grading policies• Uniformly apply course policies

Who I amDr. CummingsAssistant Professor at UNCW

Ph.D. in IS (Indiana University) MBA in IS (Texas Tech University) Industry experience in networking, programming, project

management.

What I do

Teaching interests:• Intro to IS/IT• Systems Analysis and Design• IT Project Management• Networking and Security• Device Development / Software Development

Research Interests:• Social media impact on organizations• Technology adoption• Online Identity • Security/Assurance

Useful information

Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey CummingsOffice: CIS 2051Office Hours:

M, W 9:00 – 12:00, 1:30 – 3:30 by appointment

Phone: 910-962-3032 Email: cummingsj@uncw.eduEntropy: http://bit.ly/2entropy

Remainder of Class and Next Class• Student Profile Survey and White Hat Agreement• Begin to think about teams (2 per team)• Any additional questions?

Next Class:

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Data Communications

Chapter 2 – Application Layer

Register for Entropy

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